Wow. I don’t know where to start; but all I can say is that the Michael Josephson 2022 Charity Ball surpassed all of my expectations – massively. And let’s face it, the bar was set high. In 2021 we managed to raise well over £700K, a figure I’d come to accept was pretty unbeatable… particularly as the world is now gripped by a biting recession. So, I’m more than happy to report that we did it, we succeeded in beating our own record – we raised £751,900!

I get such a truly overwhelming feeling of pride and happiness, I’m still buzzing from the joy and satisfaction of the evening. The moment the total sum was announced was one of the best moments of my life. The work (and it is LOTS of work!) from everyone involved was worth it. Variety, the Children’s Charity, Rainbow Trust and Mahdlo Youth Zone will be the very deserving beneficiary charities. I work closely with them on an ongoing basis, so I know how much of a difference it is going to make for them to help make the lives of young people in the North West and all over the UK, better.

And what a fun evening it was! I want to say a personal thank you to the fabulous celebrity guests who attended; the beautiful Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham (she was a total dream and the most wonderful company), football royalty Paul Scholes, Olympic heroes Torvill and Dean, Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn, Hollyoak’s beauties Jennifer Metcalfe and Tamara Wall, Dancing On Ice champion Hayley Tamaddon, Karen Barber (also from Dancing On Ice – a bit of a reunion!), and of course Christopher Biggins – a national institution! Our presenter and compere was the brilliant Darren Proctor from Happy Radio – and we were all certainly happy! The night was rounded off perfectly by the iconic Heather Small from M People – what a dancefloor filler her set was, we loved it. A special thank you also has to go out to one of showbiz’s finest; Bonnie Langford, who performed and brought some West End sparkle to the event with her amazing stage presence, and a very impressive high kick!

In total we had 450 guests at the Hilton Deansgate. We’ve not been since 2019 and it was really lovely to be back. The hotel has such a great team and I also want to take some time to say a thank you to them – you are brilliant. A very, very special thank you also needs to go to Julie Perry Events, who pulled it out the bag big style and helped create one of the most glamourous events in Manchester.

I can’t believe that the Michael Josephson Charity Ball is now in its 5^th year, and we just keep going from strength to strength. Now, on to the next year… I’m already planning. Keep the date free on November 11^th for the Michael Josephson Charity Ball 2023!